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George T. Finnegan

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Boston College High School Harvard University Trinity College United States Naval Academy

George Finnegan Obituary

George Theodore (Ted) Finnegan, of South Boston and formerly of Milton, passed away peacefully, in the company of his family, at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Monday, Jan. 2, two weeks shy of his 90th birthday. This marked the end of a distinctive life defined by a long sustained record of distinguished selfless service to his country, family and community. Ted was born Jan. 16, 1922 in Boston to George T. Finnegan Sr. and Mary Stella Bell. He was the second of three children, positioned between his older sister Mary Stella and his younger brother J. Paul. Ted grew up in Milton, with summers spent in Scituate. He attended elementary schools in Milton, then the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston College High School 39, Harvard College 43, The U.S. Naval Academy 45, and finally Harvard Law School 52. Ted had a short but distinguished early career in the Navy, and subsequently a long distinguished career as a lawyer with Ropes & Gray in Boston. He met his wife Elizabeth Lee of Marshalltown, Iowa while at the Naval Academy. She was attending Trinity College in Washington, DC. They were married in Oct., 1944. Libby passed away in 2005. Ted is survived by four of his five children and their spouses; ten grandchildren and their spouses, and six great grandchildren; along with his older sister Stella Collins, formerly of Hingham and Quincy; and his sister-in-law Evelyn by his late brother J. Paul of Scituate; their children and families, and other extended family members. An open memorial service and subsequent reception to celebrate Teds life will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m., in conjunction with The Harvard Catholic Center, at St. Pauls Church, 29 Mt Auburn St. in Cambridge. Teds complete obituary text, and charitable contribution designation is published on-line at Legacy.com.

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Published by The Patriot Ledger on Jan. 28, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for George Finnegan

Sponsored by Ted's loved ones.

18 Entries

mary swanton

January 4, 2021

Ted remains an important, honored and cherished family friend who continues to influence our children as we often recall his integrity, his leadership and extraordinary qualities. His impressive accomplishments and his gentle manner are stellar example of how to live well. Thanks to ted, our family was given the gift of an extraordinary mentor. He dwells among us and we remain grateful for his friendship always.

David Mandel

January 4, 2021

Thanks for the reminder and for the memories. He was such a nice, caring man.

David Mandel

January 4, 2020

Ted was the greatest mentor of young lawyers at Ropes and Gray. His trial practice training course was brilliant, a true Bible for those learning to be trial lawyers, and after he retired he continued to further develop the program and to continue to train and mentor further new generations of lawyers. Plus he was just a charming and kind human being. He is missed.

Facebook Michele Jorgensen Smollett

Michele Smollett

May 27, 2014

On this memorial day weekend 2014 I thank you for your service to our country. You, kind Sir, were on the Cassin Young with my father and were one of the many responsible for his coming home. Thank you.

Hoonae Kim

January 30, 2012

The World has lost a dear friend, grandpa, father, brother, uncle, all embodied in this wonderful person, Ted. I have known him for more than two decades. Ted has always been kind and helpful to others, cheerful and encouraging, and devoted to loved ones. I will miss his hearty laughter, wonderful stories, funny jokes but most of all his wholehearted goodness as a person. Thank you, Ted, for all the wonderful memories you have left. We will miss you.

Hoonae

Barry Collins

January 29, 2012

To the Finnegan Family,
I am truly saddened to hear about your dad. Ted was a great guy and a good friend to all of us. A gentleman to the core.....and a pretty good organist. I hope to attend his service on Feb 4th.
My Condolences,

Mike Casey

January 28, 2012

Mr. Finneran,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the USN during WW II and for being a member of the Greatest Generation. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Barbara

January 28, 2012

Thank you Mr. Finnegan for your service, rest in peace.

David Mandel

January 24, 2012

Ted was an extraordinary lawyer and person at Ropes & Gray. He was one of the best mentors that this firm ever had. Both before he retired, and afterwards, he worked tirelessly on our Trial Workshop materials, which are simply the best anywhere. I still use them for myself, and to train junior associates, and so the good works that he put into effect continue to "pay it forward..'' God bless him, and my condolences to his family. -- Dave Mandel, Ropes & Gray.

KAthy Brandwein

January 22, 2012

Any one of these accomplishments would have defined a great life. He was one of my father's good friends from the Naval Academy and the Cassin Young. I was lucky to have seen him a couple years ago when I visited Boston. Amazing man...amazing life.
My condolences. Kathy Falardeau Brandwein

Kathy Walsh

January 20, 2012

Ted was a devoted friend to our family from the day we lost our father in November 1976. He gave us lots of gems of wisdom such as "keep the doors open" when going through bad times. Words I always kept in my mind. He had the ability to see God in every face. We will all miss his smiling face.

Mary Swanton

January 17, 2012

What a great mentor and friend. I had the privilege of working for years with Ted at St Vincent's. What a personal privilege. His advice, friendship and encouragement has brought me to my current position, teaching music to children. Ted was instrumental in helping me begin our program and I often refer to Ted's words in my classrooms...."leg over leg, the dog gets to Dover"!
So long, old pal...and may songs of the angels welcome you!

January 16, 2012

I only knew Ted in recent years, as the organist at our church. Even so, his warmth and humanity shone through every time you saw him. He had that rare gift of making everyone feel welcome and special. He will be greatly missed in South Boston. My deepest condolences to his family at the loss of such a special person

Marie Power

Lorraine (Lorie) Walsh

January 16, 2012

Ted was happiest when giving, always willing to help when needed. He was wise, eloquent and caring. He believed in doing your best and was an inspiring example. His encouragement helped me to do better. We shared the joy of music, offered music in church for many years and performed musical comedy excerpts throughout Boston. His favorite hymns were to the Blessed Mother. He often said, his prayers to Mary got him through Harvard. Ted was a gentle soul, full of kindness, humor, wit, wisdom and love. Wishing Ted's family peace and comfort. Our family will miss him deeply. Lorie Walsh

January 14, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

January 12, 2012

Although I was 24 years Ted's junior at Ropes & Gray, he was always a friend to me. Whenever he entered a room, he brought with him an unmatchable energy, enthusiasm and cheerfulness. I'll miss Ted.
Steve Perlman

January 11, 2012

Ted will be missed throughout all South Boston - please accept our condolences - Mike Farma & family...

January 11, 2012

I have no doubt that Ted will be deeply missed at Marian Manor where he gave the gift of music and his sunny personality on a daily basis. The Carmelite Sisters will keep him and his beloved family in prayer.
Mother Mark Louis Randall O.Carm.
Former Administrator of Marian Manor

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